When private is not private: the data dangers to beware of online
Web users have been urged to be vigilant about their personal data as the privacy commissioner warns prosecutions for misuse are rarely successful
Hongkongers have been urged to be extra vigilant when it comes to protecting their personal data after it was revealed that less than five per cent of cases concerning data privacy forwarded to police by the privacy commissioner last year led to prosecution.
In 2016, 112 cases were passed on to police for criminal investigation by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. Of these, 109 concerned the use of personal data in direct marketing. But only three cases (4.5 per cent) resulted in convictions. The watchdog received 16,180 inquiries last year, a 12 per cent drop from 2015.
Privacy Commissioner Stephen Wong Kai-yi has subsequently urged Hongkongers to step up their efforts to self-regulate.
He said young people particularly were often too relaxed about giving out their personal details, particularly in relation to social media apps.
“We should read the privacy terms carefully and review privacy settings from time to time,” he said. “It is also crucial for us to respect others’ privacy by asking the relevant persons before uploading or sharing their personal information.”